A Matter of Protocol

[Malaroth]

Cinnabar Calomel
High Constable of Myrken Wood
Acting Governor

Greetings and salutations,

I am both pleased and excited to see that my bid for Councilor of Defense has been answered. I shall endeavor to increase my service two-fold for the sake of this land and its people. It is concerning just that I write you now.

Firstly, there is the matter of siege defense. I have made a few rough maps concerning the placement of stationary trebuchet along the magical wall that will serve to deter any aggressors while also serving well to pummel any who might consider bringing forces to bear against it.

Secondly, is the matter of the militia and the new Myrken Army - mostly its personnel. I would like to familiarize myself with the rosters of enlisted as well as militia men in order to begin ascertaining how they might best be used, trained, had changed for the betterment of our defensive measures. This includes any constabulary reports on any one who serves or leads in any regard within these two bodies.

Again, my thanks.

Sincerely,

Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Councilor of Defense
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[Cinnabar]

To Sir Malaroth Deucalios, Councillor for Defense:

Councillor Deucalios

In making plans for the installation of siege weaponry, I trust that you also take into consideration the time and cost required to train a corps of engineers in the correct construction and operation of such equipment. During the Wall's construction it was intended to mount somewhat lighter engines - ballistae, mangonels or such - atop the towers around the circumference. I feel that trebuchets would be best situated inside the perimeter in order to take advantage of the fact that such weapons do not require the targets to be directly visible to the operators.

A complete roster of troops serving in the New Myrken Army should be available from the relevant regimental commanders; the files passed into your hands with your appointment as Councillor for Defense should also contain information on enlisted men, ranks and associated wages, but to obtain a better understanding of the capabilities of the men themselves it would make more sense to speak with their officers, rather than rely upon the rather dry accounts of paperwork alone.

Likewise, a roster of Militia forces can be requested from Captain Agnieszka Kaczmarek, with whom you have no doubt liaised already - the Council maintains records of personnel, but since the Militia is in a state of reorganisation and expansion I would suggest that consulting with the Captain directly will provide more comprehensive and up-to-date information. I would also strongly recommend that you call upon Captain Kaczmarek's counsel in other matters military - what she might lack in courtly manners she more than compensates for with her intuitive grasp of strategic and tactical issues. Please do not be misled by her youth or sometimes rough demeanour - I believe that you will find her thoughts most insightful.

Meanwhile your request for Constabulary reports on serving Army and Militia personnel is denied, due to the prohibitive cost in time and toil that a full comparison of military rosters and Constabulary records would require. This is leaving aside the disruption that such a task would cause for the operations of the Constabulary in general in terms of reallocating manpower and non-standard movement of files.

The enthusiasm and diligence you bring to your new role is commendable; if I may be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at this office.

As a minor point of protocol, however, please note that since the transfer of office was affirmed by the Judiciary Council the "Acting" prefix is no longer appropriate; in order to avoid further such embarrassing lapses, official communication should instead be addressed to:

Cinnabar Calomel
Governor

[Malaroth]

A reading. A re-reading. As the Governor's imagined tone settled into his thoughts, the message was met with hands that slowly crumpled it into a ball and hurled it towards a small trash receptacle. Ah yes constable, the Grand Master thought to himself, rake me over the coals and end the matter with a compliment - how genteel.

Cinnabar Calomel
High Constable
Governor of Myrken Wood,

Concerning plans for trebuchets: I am aware of how they are often required to be placed and do not need direct line-of-sight to be effective.

Concerning the militia and military: There were no files or folders passed into my hands concerning the things of which you wrote. Furthermore I can simplify my request into a look at one person's constabulary files - Agnieszka Kaczmarek. Since she is in a position of such import I deem that providing me with all the information you have concerning her involvement with suspected murder charges and her involvement with Karolinger to be simple and sensible. Any information you have regarding any merits she has been awarded in her military career are also relevant. I ask you for these as you seem to be the one who appointed her and I assume that you had a reason for doing so.

Sir Malaroth Deucalios
Councilor of Defense
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[Cinnabar]

To Sir Malaroth Deucalios, Councillor for Defense:

Councillor Deucalios

You are correct in assuming that I had reasons for appointing Captain Kaczmarek to her post - reasons I noted in my previous letter. She has a keen understanding of military principles on both a tactical and strategic level, and an insightful and innovative approach to same.

Given the opportunity, I believe she will prove to be a great asset to Myrken's military - a cause to which she is firmly dedicated, which is more than can be said for many of our former commanders. The post of Captain of the Militia offers just such an opportunity, in that it allows her to demonstrate these qualities in a way that, if successful, greatly improves Myrken's defensive capabilities, and even if unsuccessful leaves us in no worse a position than we were to begin with.

If you wish to learn more of her association with Aeryn Karolinger or her past military career I recommend you speak with her yourself, or consult further with Graf Josef Reinstadler - the Crown Courier who delivered Karolinger's pardon - and request that he put you in contact with the man directly. Suffice to say that I was aware of this past involvement with Karolinger at the time I appointed her to her current post, and was as confident then as I am now that it will not compromise her role as Captain of the Militia.

Similarly I am obviously well aware of her involvement in a Constabulary investigation, the reports on which case remain confidential. Again, it is my firm belief that this matter will not unduly influence her activities as Captain, and thus should be of no concern to you when it comes to interacting with her as Councillor to Captain. If my assurance is insufficient I feel that a face-to-face meeting would be a more appropriate venue in which to discuss the matter.

Cinnabar Calomel
Governor

[Malaroth]

Cinnabar Calomel
High Constable
Governor of Myrken Wood

As I understand the duties of my office, the role of Captain of the Militia falls under my jurisdiction. I confess that your unwillingness to divulge information regarding her to me, given your role as High Constable, may overstep your bounds. I regard her continuation within her current position as a potential threat to the safety and effectiveness of the military unless I am allowed to see the whole picture of what may or may not have occurred.

Now you are free to disagree, but it is not your place to hinder an investigation into an army and militia whose defenses are my responsibility. If you are still unwilling to share her confidential information I can only assume that there is significant evidence therein to discredit her for the position, in which case I will reassign the role to someone else.

I understand that you mare share some close friendship with the woman. But, respectfully, running a military, or a militia, cannot succeed if it is to depend upon your beliefs. I have served in the military since I was five years of age. I have been appointed to this position. You evidently trust her, but you have also placed me in authority over her. Now you must also trust me, and the other councilors, or all that you have worked towards will self-destruct.

Respectfully,

Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Councilor of Defense
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[Cinnabar]

To Sir Malaroth Deucalios, Councillor for Defense:

Councillor Deucalios

I look forward to seeing you in my office at your earliest convenience, and keenly anticipate discussing these matters with you in person.

Cordially,

Cinnabar Calomel
Governor

[Malaroth]

Calomel's unoffical summons still grated within his mind, hitching the Grand Master's jaw aside in sour distaste. His spurs offer a crisp metallic note to each long, slow step as he offers a grim nod for the pair of constables he passes on his way into the constabulary. Narrowed cerulean eyes took a moment to adjust to the lighting indoors as the door shut behind him while memories briefly whispered of his last visit here to plead innocence regarding a slaughter on Tannerback Lane. He had claimed his weapon, the one used for the killing, had been stolen. That weapon now rested again at his hip, Arak's Ruin, the Ashfiend's preferred one-handed sword.

A pale hand and long, slender fingers curled casually about the blade's black, pronged hilt as he approached the desk just beyond the door. The constable-secretary earned a cursory study as he cleared his voice.

"Sir Deucalios to see Governor Calomel," he offered in a crisp voice that rumbled equal parts duty and distaste for being summoned.

[Cinnabar]

There's a nod from the desk sergeant at that introduction - as if such was necessary, the Grand Master and now Councillor being an easy enough man to recognise, even without the Ashfiend's blade at his hip.

"Good morning, sir. You're expected, so if you could just sign in then the Governor'll see you presently." The visitor ledger is turned about so that he might make his mark on the indicated line - a measure asked of all those who pass through the Constabulary's doors, regardless of rank. Meanwhile a runner is called over to lead the knight to the Governor's office, a young lad in a tabard of Constabulary grey who seems perhaps slightly awed by this visitor's presence - or perhaps the infamous weapon he bears, which garners more than one wary glance from the boy.

[Malaroth]

Malaroth followed the young constable with a long stride. The sharp accent of steel to his movements, thanks to his spurs, lent his footfalls a distinctly authoritative sound. The two were a rather drab pair: the constable in his uniform grays, the Grand master in his trademark knightly blacks: pants and short-collared shirt, matching tabard and calf-clinging boots whose leather creaked as he followed along.

A fine trace of stubble marred the length of his jawline, features set into a cool mask while cavernously set eyes took in the details that he passed, other office doors, items of interest upon the wall, the general layout of the building that he had seen.

He offers no words to this one, content to wait until he has been shown to Calomel's office, has been seated, and might discuss the matters of import with the Constable-turned-Governor.

[Cinnabar]

The runner, one of a corps of trustworthy boys employed by the Constabulary to carry messages and run errands, leads the Grand Master through a door leading off from the reception area, then upstairs, along a corridor, and knocks quickly on the door at the end of the hallway. At a muffled call to enter he opens the door for the Grand Master before ducking a quick bow and heading back for the lobby.

Inside the office is a collection of well-crafted cabinets, a broad desk bearing a number of piles of documents, reports and files, with a couple of chairs before it and the Governor's seat behind it - Calomel himself, neatly-attired in britches and doublet of black and wine-red, rising as the knight enters; offering a hand and a few polite words in greeting, then waving him to a chair before retaking his own seat. Composed, businesslike, though not without a certain coolness to his manner as he folds his hands before him on his desk, regarding the Councillor for Defense thoughtfully for a moment.

"For this meeting I shall speak frankly, and hope that you will feel able to do likewise." Setting aside the poisoned politeness of their exchange of letters, both recent and further in the past, it seems that this meeting is an attempt to clear the air between the two men. Or at least to reach some sort of an understanding. Grey eyes watch the knight's features with a subtle scrutiny, though there's a glance for a thin sheaf of papers on his desk before his attention returns to Malaroth and he continues.

"From our correspondence, it is clear that you have a problem with authority - my authority in particular. Why is that?"

[Malaroth]

The Grand Master's veneer broke then, with the constable-governor's words; the greeting and intricate mix of civility and unadulterated poison flowing so freely from Calomel within the span of a heartbeat. That corner of upturned lips descends after only a moment as Calomel has sought to define their encounter. Expression and politeness fade from his grim visage, leaving only hard lines, straight lines, save for the perpetual narrow-eyed gaze and downward turn of a thoughtful scowl.

"I honored my pledge to King Malcolm the Second even when he fled from a city that I was charged, on his orders, to defend. He fled out of sheer cowardice and yet I obeyed. You have misread the problem, I am a military man, and have spent my whole life both giving and receiving orders."

A pause to allow his perspective to sink in, his introduction, and after clearing his throat he pressed on.

"My problem, Governor," he emphasized with a lowering of his voice, "is that I have been granted a title without power. I cannot regiment the army or the militia, I cannot staff as I see fit, I cannot be aware of who was appointed to serve under me or why, or if such persons are indeed a good person for the job - especially when the opinion comes from someone who is not a military commander."

At this, the Grand Master leaned back in his chair, allowing a silence to settle between them. "The problem I have with your authority is that you seem, to me, to be striving to be the only authority in military affairs. You are a Governor, sir, and a Constable, not a General or Field Marshall. How would it be if I exercised the authority given to me by his Highness to dictate to you how best to deal with policing situations? I could have used my authority to force my way into commanding the siege against the hostage takers a short time ago but I did not."

"As I said in our letters, I understand if you feel Kaczmarek will make a fine Captain. But where are we going to go if the ultimate arbitration of decisions is left to your instincts? And when I asked about her involvement with criminal elements you have denied me access to them, leaving me no room to question your decision. Now, you have a question to answer for yourself, Governor. Were you looking, truly, for a Councilor of Defense - or merely a militaristic Yes-Man?"

He pressed on, unwilling to stop just yet. With hands clasped and posture otherwise relaxed save for a grim countenance and a hardening edge to his voice, he continued.

"If I were acting beyond the limits of my power, then you would have every right to chasten me. But staffing the armed forces that defend Myrken Wood is my job, not yours. You have no authority as a Constable to deny me access to your file on Miss Kaczmarek - unless you are using your convenient powers of Governorship to refuse me - but I fail to see how such a matter is of anyinterest for a Governor. So which is it? Will you always act as the Constable first, and then use you Governorship to force things to go your way?"

There was, indeed, a threat therein. The Grand Master had enver been a popular man amongst Calomel or his friends and allies. However, many had seen Malaroth's care for the Derry refugees, his efforts to rebuild the Library of Mudd and Snowstill Priory, along with how he and his knights had held the line, time and again, waging war against the Ashfiend. Behind it all was a promise, a promise to meet Calomel's game with his own: for a policeman who could call upon Governorship to see his desires achieved, there was a Grand Master knight empowered by the King Himself to see peace and security brought to Myrken.

"I was not appointed to this position to agree with you, I was appointed to it to protect Myrkenfolk from all threats militaristic, internal and external, foreign and domestic, staff or civilian. Now you must let me do my job, Governor, or also assume this one for yourself."

[Cinnabar]

Quiet as the Councillor catalogues his reasons for discontent, features politely attentive as he listens to a speech that quickly seems to become a rant; for this, a faint downturn to the corners of his mouth, some degree of disappointment that the conversation had so quickly descended into bile and vitriol. There's a small frown that creeps in as the man continues, a blend of concern and bemusement that shifts to something more like vexation at the talk of a royal mandate. Still, holding his tongue until Deucalios has finished, has had an opportunity to speak his mind fully.

Even when the knight ends with that demand-come-threat he remains silent for a few heartbeats longer, in case there's anything more to be added. When he does speak, it's with care, a deliberate consideration for words chosen in order to best make himself understood. His pale gaze remains on the recently-appointed Councillor throughout.

"The ultimate arbitration of decisions is left to me, sir, because I am Governor and Judiciar of Myrken Wood. That is my role, you understand. To govern, to determine policy, to make decisions in order to best serve the interests of Myrken Wood and her people. It is what I do. You are correct that I am not a military commander. However, I have led and fought alongside men under my command. I did so at Haberdasher's Row, at Snowstill, and at your own Chapterhouse when the Ashfiend marched his servants against your knights. So while I cannot boast as extensive a period of service as you yourself, I am not entirely unfamiliar with the considerations involved in such a role." A wry twitch of self-deprecation to the corners of his mouth. By no means a grizzled veteran, it's true, but neither a clueless and unblooded naif as the knight seems to view him.

"Additionally, I have considerable experience of dealing with and understanding people, which is helpful when it comes to such matters as evaluating their motivations, their loyalty, their honesty, their integrity, and so forth. You can see how this would come be of use when, for example, appointing individuals to public office. Is my opinion somehow only to be trusted when it comes to appointing Councillors, but dubious and flawed when appointing Captains?" Going from the strength of Deucalios' antagonism, perhaps appointing new members of the Council is when his opinions are least reliable. The thought is set aside for now, though, as he continues with a conscious effort made to maintain a level of civility.

"As for your authority in Myrken Wood, I would be grateful if you could refrain from, ah, overstating your remit from the Crown. I have had more than enough of such from pompous types who believe they can use such connections to get their own way through browbeating and bluster. I do not feel that such behaviour is becoming of a public official." Conversational in tone, but there's a touch of irritation in his gaze at having to spell this out; perhaps embarrassed for the knight, perhaps finding it awkward to have to point out the weakness of his bluff, perhaps weighing up whether to call him a liar or merely a charlatan. It's not hard to work out to which particular pompous type he alludes, in any case.

"Your royal mandate consists of permission to found a knightly order in Myrken Wood, in order to offer succour and protection to the people. That is all. It does not entitle you, as Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights, to interfere or overrule the authority of the Council, or indeed any of their agents. It does not grant you the authority to dictate anything to anyone. You are a servant of the Crown. Your are not its voice." Despite the emphasis here, the stress placed on certain words to convey his point, his tone remains matter-of-fact, and takes on a more explanatory note as he continues.

"Myrken Wood, as you should know, has for a considerable length of time been granted a certain degree of autonomy in how it manages its own affairs; in exchange for our continuing loyalty to the Trae Kelsan throne, we are permitted to tend to our own governance with minimal intervention from the Crown or its agents. Communication between Myrken's government and the Crown takes place through Baron Hawkesbury, in his role as Minister for Myrken Wood. Which is to say that it is he who conveys His Majesty's will to his subjects and servants here. Not you." Watchful, seeking to be sure that this point in particular is understood.

"Your application for the post of Councillor was approved in large part in recognition of your past efforts in defence of Myrken's people, and to a lesser extent your military experience. It was also my hope that some sort of cooperation might be managed, in view of our shared desire to find a lasting safety for Myrken and her people, and despite past differences of opinion." An opportunity for Malaroth to have a greater positive influence on Myrken's destiny, beyond what might be managed with what ragged remnants of the Shepherd Knights the Ashfiend had left behind.

"For that to be the case, both trust and respect are necessary. I respect the dedication you have shown in working to safeguard the citizenry of Myrken Wood from harm. I trust that you will bring that dedication to your work as Councillor, and continue to serve the people with honesty, integrity and diligence. I hope, though, that you will be able to reciprocate by respecting my decisions as Governor, and trusting my judgement when it comes to those decisions." Falling quiet, then, and it's clear from the slight loft of his brows and tilt of his head that he has said his part for now, and watches for the Councillor's reaction.

[Malaroth]

Narrowed eyes for vitriol indeed begun with and still spewing from the Governor-Constable. His eyes roll within their sockets in ill-disguised scorn as the man sees fit to brow-beat him with talk of mandates while never, indeed, dealing with the challenges posted to him.

"You don't seem to understand the comparison I was making, between both of our dual positions and oaths of service. I would, however, remind you that my mandate from the King is to protect it from those who would do it harm. No, I am not his voice, but I am his sword. Not a threat, Governor, but indeed a reminder of my role. I know well my job. You, however, have failed to answer my questions."

"It is not a matter of what truly lays within your power to decide, but what you will leave for me to decide. As I said, you have given me title but no power, position but no strength, as you are too busy deciding anything and everything of remote importance. It is your job to dispense and delegate, not micro-manage everything. You have not told me outright whether you seek a yes-man or a military leader, but your silence on this specific issues answers for you I should think."

He climbed to his feet then with a ragged sigh and shake of his head. "Your military experience leaves me with some doubt, I am afraid to confess. You took many men to fight the Ashfiend in the mountains when you should have brought only few. And yes, your judgment in appointing captains should be seriously considered when you purchased the Baker farm, when she is a known associate of a murderer, and a suspected murderer herself."

As he started towards the door, he paused after opening it to regard Calomel over one darkly clad shoulder. "Nor did you respond to my point that if you do not share power, then you must do this job as well. Currently, there are two councilors of defense. If you are interested in there being only one, then send word to the Chapter House. I don't expect carte blanche, Cinnabar. But I can make Myrken's army strong, only not if my hands are tied and my voice is stilled."

"Good day, Governor."

[Cinnabar]

A brief flicker of irritation from Calomel at Deucalios' eye-rolling scorn, the Governor growing weary of the knight's incessant gestures of petulant disrespect. He makes no move to rise as the Grand Master stands, remaining where he is behind his desk, hands folded on the smooth wooden surface.

"Sir Malaroth. If you leave now, I shall take that as your resignation." His tone is level, as ever, but firm, gaze steady upon the Councillor.

"I seek neither a lapdog nor a military commander. I seek a councillor who is capable of organising Myrken's defences and discussing issues relating to it in a civil, sensible manner. Councillors storming away from the meeting table when matters are not yet resolved is hardly very productive." Not that such hasn't happened in the past, but it's certainly not how Calomel wishes the Council to operate in the future.

"If you are prepared to talk things over, please sit down. If you are not so prepared then clearly I was mistaken to appoint you Councillor, and that error can be rectified. I called you here to discuss these issues of authority and jurisdiction, which are apparently not as clear as they should be and thus require further consideration. You have my attention, and have taken the opportunity to make your position heard. Perhaps now that we have had a chance to speak our minds we might start afresh, and find a mutually agreeable solution, if you are amenable to such."

What happens next is entirely Malaroth's choice to make. The Governor has stated his position as clearly as possible.

[Malaroth]

Malaroth the Miserable, he had been called upon his arrival, and Malaroth the Mad - a foreign knight with nothing but his clothes and sword to his name, haunted by nightmarish visions that argued for being his own memories when he knew that they never were. They had never known him as the Zacheans once had, as he suspected Glenn Burnie might, as the Governor almost pleaded for him to be again:

Malaroth the Wicked

Malaroth the Murderer

Regardless, the Governor's command has set his arms to crossing, his teeth to capturing the inner corner of his lips to bite back an almost surely savage snarl at the man's blatant hypocrisy. He demanded respect but gave none in return. He called for immediate obedience, for things to be done his way or no way at all. He called himself a Governor, but he commanded like a King.

His voice is a carefully measured, controlled thing.

"Since the arrival of the knighthood, you have demanded my compliance with doing things your way even when you had no authority to compel me. You have shown blatant, unapologetic disregard for things being done in a way that you simply do not agree with. Councilors storming away from tables may not produce much of worth, but neither does antagonizing councilors and provoking them to wrath through disregard and disrespect."

He ventured a few steps towards the desk, arms remaining crossed as he peered down upon Calomel. "I am prepared to discuss if you are prepared to listen as well as you expect me to. You have no compunctions, and never had even before your being governor, against calling me a fool or worse. The gods forbid it that I should even consider returning the favor."

"I can be that councilor. But I will only be that councilor to someone who respects my opinion, respects how I do things, and allows me the freedom to do them. You will have my respect once you do these things. If you are going to be watching my every move, and constantly brow-beating me for not doing things as you would have them done, then this post is not for me nor anyone with a spine. You are a governor, Cinnabar. It is yours to govern. I am Councilor of Defense. It is mine to defend."

"My jurisdiction should include staffing and organizational powers to restructure the military, contribute to its stationary defenses, patrol times, armament, promote and demote within its ranks, and command."

"Is this amenable to us both?"